By Hannah Simon, Sadie Chronister, Isabelle Emmanuel and Audrey Kim, Co-Staff Development Coordinator and Staff Reporters
“Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story”
By Sadie Chronister, Staff Reporter
“Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story” features a family that has been devoted to the Kansas City Chiefs football team for generations. They spend every Christmas at the stadium watching their favorite team. This season, they are in the finals of the Chiefs Fans of the Year contest. When Derrick Taylor, the director of fan engagement for the Chiefs, stumbles into the family’s restaurant, he is introduced to the devout fans. Little does he know how committed they are to the Chiefs, and little do they know his occupation.
As they begin to get to know each other, the family shares their superstitious Christmas story. Every year on Christmas, someone in the family wears a vintage Chiefs hat to ensure their team will make it to the Super Bowl. When Derrick is critical of their story, the mood quickly shifts. The family is hurt and ready to end their relationship with Derrick, until the next day, when Derrick returns to the store on an assignment from work to interview the finalists for Fan of the Year.
The family, especially Alana Higman, the youngest in the family and the main character, is incredibly frustrated and shocked to find out Derrick’s position. At first, they are cold, but as the story progresses they begin to warm up to Derrick again and share their fan traditions. Throughout the story, the family pushes Alana to take a love interest in Derrick. She fears a relationship but turns to her family for their support and begins to see the signs.
This classic Hallmark story follows the family as they attempt to win their contest and Alana as she develops a relationship with Derrick.
“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”
By Isabelle Emmanuel, Staff Reporter
“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” made its debut on television screens across America on Dec. 6, 1964. Over 60 years later, the film remains a holiday classic that anyone can enjoy.
The story is based on Johnny Marks’ famous song “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and focuses on Rudolph’s journey as he navigates what it’s like to be different from the other reindeer. The characters in the movie are all-around adorable. Hermey, a misfit elf, longs to quit his job as a toymaker and pursue his lifelong dream of becoming a dentist. Yukon Cornelius, a wayfarer, desperately searches the North Pole for gold or silver. The trio become friends when Rudolph and Hermey run into Yukon after running away from their homes, and the three face perilous obstacles together like the formidable Abominable Snow Monster.
The movie has a heartfelt ending that reminds viewers of the joy of Christmas and family. The unique but charming stop-motion style of the film makes it very visually appealing and gives it an especially cozy feel. If you are ever looking for a movie to bring back waves of childhood nostalgia, just turn on “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” snuggle up in a warm blanket, and enjoy!
“A Nonsense Christmas with Sabrina Carpenter”
By Audrey Kim, Staff Reporter
“A Nonsense Christmas with Sabrina Carpenter” brings something fresh to the world of holiday specials. Filmed in front of a live audience over just two days, the hour-long show perfectly blends music and humor, making it a standout for this holiday season.
The set and costumes are a visual feast. Classic Christmas elements like sparking tinsel and oversized gifts cover the stage. Carpenter’s wardrobe is beautiful, with her stunning satin dresses and feathered robes. Her outfits exude old Hollywood charm, adding a touch of elegance to the playfulness of the special.
The skits are another highlight, bringing a distinct Saturday Night Live energy to the special. Carpenter’s comedic timing is sharp, and the sketches are full of wit and comedy. One sketch features Quinta Brunson and Cara Delevingne as the “Ghosted Girlfriends of Christmas Past, Present and Future,” giving a humorous twist to “A Christmas Carol.”
The musical numbers are just as fun. While Carpenter sings some of her original songs from “Fruitcake” and holiday classics, she does so in a way that feels fresh and exciting. Her performance of “Last Christmas” with Chappell Roan is a standout. Their voices blend seamlessly, creating a unique dynamic that boosts the song beyond its holiday charm. Other guest stars like Shania Twain, Tyla and Kali Uchis also bring their own flavor to the special, each guest appearance adding unexpected twists to the musical performances.
“A Nonsense Christmas” is a holiday special that feels both new and familiar. It’s not just a showcase of Carpenter’s musical talent but also a celebration of humor, glamour and the chaos of the winter season. If you’re looking for something fun to watch during the holidays — something that mixes music, humor and a bit of unpredictability — this special is a must-watch. It’ll keep you laughing and tapping your feet while feeling that holiday magic, making it an unforgettable and entertaining watch for anyone looking for something different this holiday season.
“Wicked: Part One”
By Hannah Simon, Co-Staff Development Director
While not a holiday film, the new movie “Wicked: Part One” is one of Santa’s best gifts yet. The film builds on the old tale of good witch/bad witch, the battle over the emerald city of Oz and the ultimate demise of the Wicked Witch of the West. New though — and central to the movie’s almost three-hour plot — is a more thorough exploration of Elphaba’s and Glinda’s backgrounds and their unlikely friendship.
Starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Ervio as Glinda and Elphaba respectively, “Wicked” has understandably been a box office juggernaut since its Nov. 22 debut for a multitude of reasons.
To state the obvious, Grande and Ervio are wildly talented individuals. Grande has the vocals of a fairy: She gracefully flies up the note range while maintaining stunning clarity and impressive strength. Having previously mentioned wanting to play Glinda, Grande fulfilled this dream effortlessly, managing to wiggle free of her pop star persona and tap into an ambitious theatricality. And to no one’s surprise, Ervio flawlessly captured Elphaba’s sharpened skepticism and outcasted intelligence. Performing live vocals while flying over Oz during “Defying Gravity,” her voice was staunchly impressive in every number.
The best thing, though, is how the close-knit pair’s voices complement each other. Listening to their duet “For Good,” Grande and Ervio both shine, but their voices respect the personalities of their characters. Both established figures, neither actress attempted to upstage the other, and both sang to the necessities that a modern movie calls for, not a Broadway stage.
To match the immense talent of the cast was a fashion genius in illustrious costume designer Paul Tazewell, who was tasked with creating a magical wardrobe straight from Madame Morrible’s wand. While Elphaba largely wore black cloth and Victorian silhouettes in her fight to ensure the safety of the animals of Oz, Glinda chased shape-shifting powers in effervescent, preppy numbers. Ervio’s and Grande’s outfits were strikingly ornate, leaving their eccentricity and elegance in the minds of viewers.
But it is the attention paid to the often-neglected details — apart from its star-studded cast and grandiose budget — that makes “Wicked” such an endearing watch. Marissa Bode made “Wicked” history as the first actress who authentically uses a wheelchair to play Nessarose since its 2003 arrival on Broadway. Ervio was only the second Black woman to portray Elphaba in a musical that is literally about how skin color should not matter. And appearances by Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible and Bowen Yang as a native of Munchkinland brought to life a version of “Wicked” that for the first time resonates with the masses.
As per the movie business website The Numbers, “Wicked” is now the first movie musical adaptation to pass $300 million at the box office in the United States. Storied classism brewed with modern takes and brilliant attention to detail make for a piping-hot cup of excellence that I would recommend to anyone. I can easily say that I am holding space for this beautiful rendition of a Broadway classic.
Hannah Simon can be reached at [email protected].
Sadie Chronister can be reached at [email protected].
Isabelle Emmanuel can be reached at [email protected].
Audrey Kim can be reached at [email protected].
